Slide topper.......help / suggestions

[Brockx]

Not really familiar with the item, I'll call it a topper anti wind roll out device. My topper ends up in the same orientation with the slide fully extended. That creates the problem shown below. I think I can adjust it to a flatter position but it seems that would possibly allow the topper to flair some before the stop arm contacts the coach. I can't move the stop to the other end as the canopy is considerably longer than the slide. Open to all suggestions except cutting a hole in the canopy :...

[Mr_D]

Wow, that is a problem! Moving the arm orientation would be the "solution" to the awning interference but then you do have the wind problem. I might even remove the arm and see if it creates a problem with the awning unfurling. The arm might not even be needed. On our '02 DSDP the arm was held on with two screws so it was easy to remove.

[TonyDi]

That doesn't look right at all!

[Rorytug]

You are correct! That arm is not right. Consider this, however. Even if you remove the arm, the awning will still likely rub on the corner of the slide. This is a common problem with patio side slide-outs, I have the same with my coach. If I want to pull the awning down for angle, I must put the living room slide in so it doesn't rub on the corner. This also gives more room on the patio but less room inside.. Mostly, I don't pull my awning down, just extend it straight out. Is your awning pulled down?

[Brockx]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Wow, that is a problem! Moving the arm orientation would be the "solution" to the awning interference but then you do have the wind problem. I might even remove the arm and see if it creates a problem with the awning unfurling. The arm might not even be needed. On our '02 DSDP the arm was held on with two screws so it was easy to remove.

Originally Posted by Rorytug

You are correct! That arm is not right. Consider this, however. Even if you remove the arm, the awning will still likely rub on the corner of the slide. This is a common problem with patio side slide-outs, I have the same with my coach. If I want to pull the awning down for angle, I must put the living room slide in so it doesn't rub on the corner. This also gives more room on the patio but less room inside.. Mostly, I don't pull my awning down, just extend it straight out. Is your awning pulled down?

I felt turning the arm about a 1/4 turn would solve the problem. Thinking I might get a slight loosening of the topper but not a full de-wrap as a worse case.


My canopy is power and to the best of my knowledge (limited ) it has no adjustment function for downward angle. I don't use it very often and on the previous coach it was manual and it had adjustment for variable angles. i have not observed any contact at the far end of the slide but I'll check that out.

[USMCRET]

Does your anti-billow device align properly with the stop when the slide is retracted?

[Brockx]

Originally Posted by USMCRET

Does your anti-billow device align properly with the stop when the slide is retracted?

Not sure what that means. I assumed the arm simply rotated back against the coach if the topper billowed out. I'll have to take a ladder over to storage and get a close look.

[USMCRET]

It's sometimes hard to accurately articulate meaning on forums. I'll post a couple of pics tomorrow if you haven't figured it out by then.

[Brockx]

Originally Posted by USMCRET

It's sometimes hard to accurately articulate meaning on forums. I'll post a couple of pics tomorrow if you haven't figured it out by then.

Thanks it will be Friday PM before I can get back to storage. Does the device have a brand name that I could research? I have tons of paperwork with this but nothing on the toppers and/or lock device.

[USMCRET]

I just went out and looked at mine again. The anti-billowing devices are all over the map in terms of their position with the slides open and closed.

Below is a picture I took a few years ago of one that was improperly positioned. As the slide retracted, this device would jam on the stop and not allow the slide to retract completely. I corrected that by repositioning the device so that it ended up in the 11 o'clock position.

I think you can fix your problem by repositioning the device slightly so it does not poke at the awning. Just check how it ends up when the slide is retracted so it doesn't end up as in my picture.

I would not mess with the awning at all. Just reposition the device and all will be good. All it takes is a couple of new screw holes.

[spider13]

Remove screw and rotate anti billowing device to 11 o'clock,with slide closed.

[Brockx]

Originally Posted by USMCRET

I just went out and looked at mine again. The anti-billowing devices are all over the map in terms of their position with the slides open and closed.

Below is a picture I took a few years ago of one that was improperly positioned. As the slide retracted, this device would jam on the stop and not allow the slide to retract completely. I corrected that by repositioning the device so that it ended up in the 11 o'clock position.

I think you can fix your problem by repositioning the device slightly so it does not poke at the awning. Just check how it ends up when the slide is retracted so it doesn't end up as in my picture.

I would not mess with the awning at all. Just reposition the device and all will be good. All it takes is a couple of new screw holes.

Originally Posted by spider13

Remove screw and rotate anti billowing device to 11 o'clock,with slide closed.

Thanks guys I think I got it. Keeping in mind the billowing would occur with the slide not moving the lever stop should always be about 11 or 1 o'clock depending on which end of the topper it is mounted (played around with a paper towel roll to check that). Some have said to adjust, drilling was mentioned, have to figure that out when I'm on the ladder. My toppers are a different brand than the above picture. All three of my toppers have the stop set at 12 currently. From what I have learned here I think 12 is probably okay for the anti billow action. The problem stop unfortunately turns exactly 5 turns with the slide open 12 to 12 my luck!

Will post results probably Saturday.

[Brockx]

Gotter' dun'


Had to re-drill some holes as advised above. Looking at the front of the patio side slide in this picture.
As I stated earlier my topper rotates the "stop" from the static "in" position to almost exactly the same orientation when full open. The old position in or out was 12 noon. The position now is 1:30 I could not go any more than that with out cutting some length from the rotating stop. It hits the aluminum extrusion that captures the static end of the topper, above the intended stop. I don't see a problem with that, it is sturdy enough and the geometry is good. The only solution is to space the topper mount out a little more from the slide wall.
I have a good inch of clearance now and the canopy does not touch it. I had strong enough breeze today to cause automatic canopy retraction twice and no previous contact.

Thanks for all the advice.

[grumpy0374]

Originally Posted by spider13

Remove screw and rotate anti billowing device to 11 o'clock,with slide closed.

X2. On passenger side anti billowing should be at 11 oclock orientation. On drivers side it should be at the 1 oclock orientation.
Grumpy